New Delhi, 17 March (H.S.): In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court mandated maternity leave for every mother adopting a child of any age, striking down restrictions that previously limited benefits to infants under three months and affirming adoption as equal to biological parenthood.

A bench presided over by Justice J.B. Pardiwala invalidated Section 60(4) of the Code on Social Security Act, deeming it violative of equality rights under Article 14; the provision had confined 12 weeks' leave solely to adoptions of children below three months, neglecting older adoptees including orphans.

The court directed the central government to legislate paternity leave parity, recognizing fathers' vital child welfare role. It emphasized that families form through love and care, not birth alone, warranting adjustment time for adopted children akin to biological ones.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar